Principal Scientist (Advanced Molecular Detection Training) - CR563

Department-of-General-Services; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 89,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pre-tax spending accounts

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Paid holidays and vacation

Retirement plan with employer matching

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Department of General Services (DGS) seeks a Principal Scientist to lead Advanced Molecular Detection Training at DCLS in Richmond, VA. You will coordinate AMD training programs, liaise with state and CDC partners, and guide workforce development for infectious disease genomics.

The role includes designing curricula, coordinating workshops, and ensuring QA/QC in training activities, with a hybrid telework option after six months. DGS offers robust benefits and federal program support.

Qualifications

• Meet CLIA requirements for General Supervisor in a high complexity lab.
• Experience in molecular biology testing, including Next-Generation Sequencing.
• Experience training staff and assessing laboratory competencies.
• Experience developing science/health communication and training materials.
• Experience compiling and interpreting data.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics analysis of infectious disease genomes.
• Ability to design training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance and outbreak response.
• Ability to host training sessions on bioinformatics, NGS, and genomic surveillance.
• Knowledge of QA/QC procedures and proper documentation.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Proficiency with complex lab equipment and related computer systems.
• Demonstrated project management and multi-project oversight.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong attention to detail and problem solving.
• Excellent oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate hosting AMD training sessions, including logistics and evaluations.
• Collaborate to develop training materials for internal and external partners.
• Maintain relationships with state, federal, and academic partners for AMD activities.
• Provide consultation on sequencing, bioinformatics and genomic surveillance.
• Design and conduct investigative work to improve testing methods.
• Perform sequencing and genomic analysis for routine investigations as needed.

Skills

CLIA General Supervisor

Molecular biology testing

Next-Generation Sequencing

Staff training

Science communication

Data interpretation

Bioinformatics

Training program design

QA/QC knowledge

Laboratory safety

Laboratory equipment troubleshooting

Project management

Independent work

Attention to detail

Oral and written communication

Tools

Nextflow

Snakemake

WDL

Docker

Singularity

Perl

Python

Unix

Job description

Are you a Molecular Biologist experienced inNext-Generation Sequencing and interested in a fulfilling career with the Commonwealth?

Do you have considerable experience training staff and assessing laboratory competencies?

Apply to be a PrincipalScientistfor Advanced Molecular Detection Training!

Title: Principal Scientist (Advanced Molecular Detection Training) - CR563

State Role Title: Scientist II

Hiring Range: $89,000 - $102,000

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Department of General Services (DGS)

Location: Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, Richmond, VA

Agency Website: www.dgs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

DGS is seeking a PrincipalScientistfor Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) Trainingat the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS). As part of the Sequencing & Bioinformatics Group (SBG), this position is responsible for identifying and addressing workforce development training needs among DCLS and external partners for the application of AMD technologies to infectious diseases. They will also serve as a primary liaison with other state and CDC partners to provide guidance and expertise in AMD workforce development activities.

As the Virginia State Laboratory, DCLS provides high quality and timely analytical testing, consultation, training, quality assurance, certification and research for the Commonwealth of Virginia, other States, and Federal Agencies. Our mission includes maintaining an emergency response capability for various health and environmental emergencies, enhancing the community’s health, protecting the environment, and supporting the agricultural sector of commerce.

This is a full-time, restricted position funded by a federal grant. Continued employment is contingent upon the continued availability of funds. Employees in classified restricted positions are eligible for the state employee benefits package (including leave, healthcare, retirement, etc.). Please refer to DHRM Policy 2.20, Types of Employment and DHRM Policy 1.30, Layoff for additional information.

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate all aspects of hosting AMD training sessions and workshops, including site selection, approvals, budgeting, program development and evaluation, speaker contract negotiations and agreements, special events coordination, registration, on-site logistics, travel and housing arrangements, call hosting and facilitation, post-training grant reporting, and listserv management.
• Collaborate with others within SBG and DCLS Group Managers to develop and assemble communication materials and trainings for internal and external partners for various AMD related projects and pathogen groups. These can range from situation reports, one page information sheets, and presentations to educate stakeholders about infectious disease genomics.
• Maintain relationships with other state, federal, and academic partners involved in public health workforce development for AMD activities, and participate in national collaborations to further the development and implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) at state public health laboratories.
• Provides consultation to laboratory personnel to ensure the proper performance of and/or perform highly complex analyses throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing as needed.
• Designs and conducts investigative work to develop improved testing methodologies or services, as well as provide data for Department approved public health surveillance and research activities as needed.
• Performs sequencing, genomic analysis, or report generation for routine investigations as needed.

This position is located in Richmond, Virginia and eligible for a hybrid telework schedule (telework up to 1 day/week) after 6 months of satisfactory performance and the completion of a Telework Agreement.

We’ve got great benefits!

DGS offers excellent health benefits at affordable pricing, pre-tax spending accounts, paid life insurance, paid Short- and Long-Term Disability benefits, paid holidays, vacation, and other leave benefits, wellness programs, and a state retirement plan with options for tax-deferred retirement savings including employer matching. Additionally, DGS is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Minimum Qualifications

• Meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements for General Supervisor in a high complexity testing laboratory as defined by 42 CFR 493.1461
• Work-related experience in molecular biology testing, including Next-Generation Sequencing.
• Considerable experience with training staff and assessing laboratory competencies.
• Experience with developing science/health communication and training materials for different technical backgrounds.
• Experience compiling and formulating data, drawing conclusions, and providing interpretations of data.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of bioinformatics analysis of infectious disease genomes, including experience performing bioinformatics analysis of genomes.
• Ability to manage the design of comprehensive training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance and outbreak response.
• Ability to host training sessions on bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and genomic surveillance techniques.
• Knowledge of QA and QC procedures and how to properly document and interpret QC data.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices.
• Skill in the operation and troubleshooting of complex laboratory equipment and associated computer systems for the analysis of specimens and reporting of results.
• Demonstrated project management skills and capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, follow procedures, and prioritize work.
• Strong attention to detail and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify errors and solve problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment, including excellent oral and written communication skills.

Visa sponsorship will not be provided for this position now or in the future. Confirmation of eligibility to work will be required at time of hire.

The selected candidate must also pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

Additional Considerations

• Experience designing comprehensive training programs for pathogen genomic surveillance, outbreak response, or a related topic.
• Proficiency in at least one scripting language (Perl, Python, etc.) and Unix operating systems.
• Proficiency in at least one workflow manager (Nextflow, Snakemake, WDL, etc.) and containerized software (Docker, Singularity, etc.)
• Experience troubleshooting and resolving issues associated with databases and bioinformatics pipelines.
• Experience working in a public health laboratory or a public health setting.
• Experience in implementation of complex bioinformatics solutions with limited supervision.
• Experience performing high complexity, high volume molecular testing.
• Experience writing grant proposals and/or assisting in grant writing efforts.
• Experience with CLIA regulations and audits.

Blood-borne pathogen training will be provided by the employer. To comply with OSHA blood-borne pathogen requirements, DCLS offers the Hepatitis B vaccine.

DCLS employees are designated as essential personnel. This designation requires DCLS employees to report to the workplace or at an assigned remote location during state authorized closings or delays (i.e., weather-related closures/delays, holidays, etc.), unless otherwise instructed by management.

Due to the critical nature of the work performed by the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) and the requirements and responsibilities placed upon DCLS by the Drug Free Workplace Act, Federal Select Agent Program, and DHRM Policy 1.05 Alcohol and other Drugs, it is the policy of DCLS to maintain a workplace that is free from the harmful effects of alcohol or other drugs. The unlawful or unauthorized use of drugs by DCLS employees while at work adversely impacts DCLS’s ability to perform high quality analytical testing services and support for local, state and federal agencies that serve to protect the health, safety and security of the public. As such, DCLS strictly prohibits the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or other drugs, prohibits employees from possessing or using alcohol, marijuana or any controlled substances (including, but not limited to prescription drugs) while in state owned vehicles, in the workplace or on DCLS premises, or when performing official work duties.

Applicants that indicate they have preferential hiring rights in the form of a yellow form or blue card must submit these to our office prior to the closing of the posting, in accordance with DHRM policy 1.30. Please note that only current and former employees of the Commonwealth of Virginia that will be or have been laid off are eligible for preferential hiring rights.

The Virginia Department of General Services is an equal opportunity employer and a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified employer. Individuals from minoritized groups, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service experience are encouraged to apply.

From July 1, 2026, through January 21, 2029, applicants who were terminated from a position of employment with the federal government on or after January 1, 2025 due to a reduction in the federal budget or initiatives put in place by the federal Department of Government Efficiency may be eligible for HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration. Applicants seeking HB494 Federal Employee Priority Consideration must identify themselves within the state application process and provide supporting documentation, including a Standard Form 50 (SF-50), verifying their eligibility.

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Contact Information

Name: DGS Human Resources

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]